Final California 2010 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
Water Body ID: CAR3091101020020319092611
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
6500
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Salinity/TDS/Chlorides
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Other
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list.

Currently, Salinas River (between Gonzales Rd crossing and confluence with Nacimiento River), is listed for Salinity/TDS/Chlorides. It is not possible, in a general listing, to determine which specific pollutant is causing or contributing to a water quality impacts. There is sufficient justification for removing the general listings for Salinity/TDS/Chlorides from the 303(d) list and replace these general listings with decisions for each of the three specific pollutants.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because each of the individual pollutants (salinity, TDS and chloride) are addressed in three separate decisions.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 6500, Salinity/TDS/Chlorides
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 4002
 
Pollutant: Salinity/TDS/Chlorides
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13639
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 66 samples exceed the General water quality objective as it applies to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the 66 samples exceed the General water quality objective as it applies to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13639, Ammonia (Unionized)
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14652
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 18
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 18 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13639, Ammonia (Unionized)
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 9538
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 48
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 48 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 11/11/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13639, Ammonia (Unionized)
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14653
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 18
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 18 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13639, Ammonia (Unionized)
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 9537
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 48
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 48 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 11/11/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13641
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Boron
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of the 77 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One of the 77 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13641, Boron
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 9539
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 77
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 77 samples exceed the criterion for Boron, dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in Table 3.4 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). Table 3-4 (page III-9) lists the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply is 0.75 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad].
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/10/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13642
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 28 samples exceed the Municipal and Domestic Supply water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the 28 samples exceed the Municipal and Domestic Supply water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13642, Carbofuran
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 18779
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Department of Health Services (R3_DHS1) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceed the criterion for carbofuran.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 1 (feb06)
  Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 2 (sed06)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of organic chemicals in excess of the limiting concentrations set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15, Article 5.5, Section 64444.5, Table 5 and listed in Table 3-1 of the Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Municipal and Domestic Supply Objective. Table 3-1 states that Carbofuran shall not exceed 18.0 ug/L (page III-6).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A
  Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ DHS012 - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/1994-7/11/1995.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: No QAPP was provided for this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13693
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Chloride
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three of the 87 samples exceed the Waterbody Specific water quality objective (applied here to aquatic life beneficial uses) for Chloride (when applied as a single sample maximum). However, the Basin Plan objective states that the median Chloride value shall not fall below 80 mg/L and the median value did not exceed this criterion. Therefore this objective is not being exceeded. In addition, one of 87 samples exceeds the Agricultural Supply water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Three of the 87 samples exceed the Waterbody Specific water quality objective (applied here to aquatic life beneficial uses) and one of 87 sample exceeds the Agricultural Supply water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13693, Chloride
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 26021
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 87
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: Three of 87 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water quality objectives for specific inland surface waters are listed in table 3-7 of the Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Region (Section II.A.3, page III-12). The plan states that these objectives are intended to serve as a water quality baseline for evaluating water quality management in the basin. Objectives are expressed as a median value and are based on preservation of existing quality ore water quality enhancement believed attainable following control of point sources. The median value for chloride in the Salinas River between Spreckles and Bradley shall not exceed 80 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River down stream of San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS – Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]. These four sites are located above Spreckles (as is specified by the waterbody specific objective).
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/10/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13693, Chloride
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 26020
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 87
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: One of 87 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when chloride exceeds 106 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River down stream of San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS – Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad].
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/10/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13643
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the 105 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (North Carolina Administrative code, Title 15A) and the General Water Quality Objective set to protect aquatic life beneficial uses.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Two of the 105 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (North Carolina Administrative code, Title 15A) and the General Water Quality Objective set to protect aquatic life beneficial uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13643, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 9541
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 85
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 85 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
  North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  Water quality standards table
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13643, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 9540
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 85
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 85 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
  North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  Water quality standards table
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13643, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14654
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
  North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  Water quality standards table
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13643, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14655
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
  North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  Water quality standards table
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13644
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of the 28 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sipmann and Finlayson, 2000) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One of the 28 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sipmann and Finlayson, 2000) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13644, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 18657
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Department of Health Services (R3_DHS1) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 28 samples exceed the criterion for chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 1 (feb06)
  Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 2 (sed06)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
  Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.025 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ DHS012 - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/1994-7/11/1995.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: No QAPP was provided for this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13644, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 18658
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Department of Health Services (R3_DHS1) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 28 samples exceed the criterion for chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 1 (feb06)
  Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 2 (sed06)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
  Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.025 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ DHS012 - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/1994-7/11/1995.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: No QAPP was provided for this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13645
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 28 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sipmann and Finlayson, 2000) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the 28 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sipmann and Finlayson, 2000) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13645, Diazinon
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 18752
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Department of Health Services (R3_DHS1) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceed the criterion for diazinon.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 1 (feb06)
  Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 2 (sed06)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
  Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.16 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ DHS012 - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/1994-7/11/1995.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: No QAPP was provided for this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13645, Diazinon
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 18751
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Department of Health Services (R3_DHS1) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceed the criterion for diazinon.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 1 (feb06)
  Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 2 (sed06)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
  Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.16 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ DHS012 - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/1994-7/11/1995.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: No QAPP was provided for this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13647
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 160 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the 160 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13647, Electrical Conductivity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 13847
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 99
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 99 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 7 monitoring sites [ Lockwood, Greenfield, River Rd Gonzales Bridge, King City, Bradley Rd, Hwy 101 at Soledad, San Ardo]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/15/2000-1/3/2002.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13647, Electrical Conductivity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11085
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 49
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 49 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 11/11/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13647, Electrical Conductivity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11065
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/28/1999-8/17/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13646
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Low Dissolved Oxygen
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Twelve lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess these pollutants. Two water quality objectives are assessed: Thirteen of the 121 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat but none of the 121 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Warm Freshwater Habitat. In addition, 24 of 121 samples exceed the general water quality objective for oxygen saturation (when applied as a single sample maximum). However, the Basin Plan objective states that the median oxygen saturation value shall not fall below 85% and the median value did not exceed this criterion.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Thirteen of the 121 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat but none of the 121 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Warm Freshwater Habitat. Neither of these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. In addition, the median value did not exceed the General Objective.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13646, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 12961
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/1999-8/17/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13646, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 12945
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/1999-8/17/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13646, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 12944
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/1999-8/17/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13646, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 12943
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/1999-8/17/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13646, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14672
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13646, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14671
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 8 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13646, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14674
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 15
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 15 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13646, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14673
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 15
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 15 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13646, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 12907
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 86
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 86 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13646, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 12925
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 86
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 86 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - SALINAS R A PASO ROBLES CA]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13646, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 12924
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 86
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 86 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13646, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 12923
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 86
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 86 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13652
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Four of the 164 samples exceed the Municipal and Domestic Supply water quality objective but none of the 162 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective. In addition, 1 of the 20 samples exceed the OEHHA public Health Goal in Drinking Water (December 1997) as it applies to the Municipal and Domestic Supply beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Four of the 164 samples exceed the Municipal and Domestic Supply water quality objective but none of the 162 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13652, Nitrate
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 9543
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 87
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 87 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A
  Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13652, Nitrate
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 9542
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 87
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 87 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13652, Nitrate
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 13748
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 75
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 75 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 7 monitoring sites [ Lockwood, Greenfield, River Rd Gonzales Bridge, King City, Hwy 101 at Soledad, Bradley Rd, San Ardo]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2001-1/3/2002.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13652, Nitrate
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 13749
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 75
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 75 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A
  Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 7 monitoring sites [ Lockwood, Greenfield, River Rd Gonzales Bridge, King City, Hwy 101 at Soledad, Bradley Rd, San Ardo]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2001-1/3/2002.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13652, Nitrate
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 15246
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: OEHHA public Health Goals for Nitrate and Nitrogen in Drinking Water (December 1997). Page 6.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Public health goals for nitrate and nitrite in drinking water
 
Evaluation Guideline: OEHHA Public Health Goal states that sum of the concentration of nitrate + nitrite shall not exceed 10 mg/L (NO3+NO2 expressed as N).
Guideline Reference: Public health goals for nitrate and nitrite in drinking water
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13640
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 107 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level, 2006) applied to protect the Municipal & Domestic Supply beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the 107 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level, 2006) applied to protect the Municipal & Domestic Supply beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13640, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 15233
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia As N, Total.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Health Advisory 2006 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (EPA 822-R-06-013, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
Evaluation Guideline: EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as "the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure."
Guideline Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13640, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 9536
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 87
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 87 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Total.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Health Advisory 2006 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (EPA 822-R-06-013, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
Evaluation Guideline: EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as "the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure."
Guideline Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13650
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for toxicity.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in sediment samples. None of the 2 samples were toxic to invertebrate test organisms (exhibit a significant increase in mortality compared to the laboratory control) and therefore do not exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity, set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Neither of the 2 samples were toxic to invertebrate test organisms. Therefore, this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13650, Sediment Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24558
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Hyalella azteca Survival (%) 10 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13650, Sediment Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24557
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Hyalella azteca Survival (%) 10 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13699
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Nine of the 85 samples exceed the Waterbody Specific water quality objective, applied here to aquatic life beneficial uses for TDS. However, this is applied as a single sample maximum criterion but the Basin Plan objective states that the median TDS value shall not fall below 600 mg/L and the median value did not exceed this criterion. Therefore this objective is not being exceeded.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Nine of the 85 samples exceed the Waterbody Specific water quality objective applied here to aquatic life beneficial uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Nor did the median TDS value fall below 600 mg/L. Therefore this objective is not being exceeded
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13699, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 26022
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 85
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: Nine of 89 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water quality objectives for specific inland surface waters are listed in table 3-7 of the Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Region (Section II.A.3, page III-12). The plan states that these objectives are intended to serve as a water quality baseline for evaluating water quality management in the basin. Objectives are expressed as a median value and are based on preservation of existing quality ore water quality enhancement believed attainable following control of point sources. The median value for total dissolved solids (TDS) in the Salinas River between Spreckles and Bradley shall not exceed 600 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River down stream of San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS – Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/10/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP (Puckett, 2002)
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13648
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Land Development | Natural Sources | Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.3 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Eight of 44 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria, 1986) as it applies to the Water Contact Recreation beneficial use and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable): USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13648, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11124
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 44
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 8 of 44 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2006-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13648, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11125
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 44
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 44 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml. E. coli is a fecal coliform.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2006-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13649
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Natural Sources | Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.3 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Eighteen of 88 samples exceeded the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable): USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13649, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11050
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 88
Number of Exceedances: 18
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 18 of 88 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 200 MPN/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of total samples during any 30-day period exceed 400 MPN/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13649, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11084
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 88
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 88 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13695
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Natural Sources | Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.2 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

In addition, A recent publication (Steelhead/Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Resources South of the Golden Gate, California (Becker, G.S and I.J Reining, October 2008) identifies Salinas River as having "Definite run or population". Therefore this Temperature Evaluation Guideline is relevant to the waterbody.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Twenty-seven of 122 samples exceeded the Evaluation Guideline (Moyle 1976) applied to protect the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable): USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13695, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14722
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13695, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 12798
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/1999-8/17/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13695, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 12942
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 86
Number of Exceedances: 18
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 18 of 86 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13695, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 13769
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Lockwood]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2002.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13701
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.2 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

In addition, A recent publication (Steelhead/Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Resources South of the Golden Gate, California (Becker, G.S and I.J Reining, October 2008) identifies Salinas River as having "Definite run or population”. Therefore this Turbidity Evaluation Guideline is relevant to the waterbody.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Twenty-nine of 64 samples exceeded the Evaluation Guideline (Sigler et al., 1984) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable): USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13701, Turbidity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 12963
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 45
Number of Exceedances: 20
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 20 of 45 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/19/2000-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13701, Turbidity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 12962
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 45
Number of Exceedances: 20
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 20 of 45 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - SALINAS R A PASO ROBLES CA]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/19/2000-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13701, Turbidity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14707
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 19 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13701, Turbidity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14721
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 19 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13651
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Unknown Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 and section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Twelve lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in water samples. Two of the samples were toxic to test organisms (exhibited a significant increase in mortality or decrease in cell density compared to the laboratory control) and therefore exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity, set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

The following is a summary of the results from individual toxicity tests. None of the 10 samples (tested for toxicity to plants), exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity. In addition, None of the 8 samples (tested for toxicity to vertebrate test organisms), exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity. However, 2 of the 8 samples (tested for toxicity to invertebrate test organisms), exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Two of the 8 samples (tested for toxicity to invertebrate test organisms), exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable): USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13651, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24498
 
Pollutant: Vertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Pimephales promelas Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/14/2006-2/13/2007. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13651, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24516
 
Pollutant: Plant Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Selenastrum capricornutum Growth (Cell Density) 4 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction in cell count of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and cell count <80% of control.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/23/2006-8/24/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13651, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24506
 
Pollutant: Vertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Pimephales promelas Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/23/2006-8/24/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13651, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24540
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Ceriodaphnia dubia Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/14/2006-2/13/2007. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13651, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24515
 
Pollutant: Plant Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Selenastrum capricornutum Growth (Cell Density) 4 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction in cell count of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and cell count <80% of control.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/23/2006-8/24/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13651, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24548
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Ceriodaphnia dubia Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/23/2006-8/24/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13651, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24508
 
Pollutant: Plant Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Selenastrum capricornutum Growth (Cell Density) 4 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction in cell count of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and cell count <80% of control.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/14/2006-2/14/2007. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13651, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24499
 
Pollutant: Vertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Pimephales promelas Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/23/2006-8/24/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13651, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24497
 
Pollutant: Vertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Pimephales promelas Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/14/2006-2/13/2007. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13651, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24541
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Ceriodaphnia dubia Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/23/2006-8/24/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13651, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24539
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Ceriodaphnia dubia Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/14/2006-2/13/2007. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13651, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 24507
 
Pollutant: Plant Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Selenastrum capricornutum Growth (Cell Density) 4 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction in cell count of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and cell count <80% of control.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/14/2006-2/14/2007. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
13702
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Natural Sources | Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy.

Eighteen lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.2 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Seventeen of 73 samples exceed the numeric objective for Municipal & Domestic Supply, Non-Contact Recreation and Water Contact Recreation and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable): USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14704
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11104
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 49
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 49 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 11/11/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11067
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-8/14/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14688
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14689
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14690
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14691
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11103
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 49
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 49 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 11/11/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11121
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-8/14/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11122
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-8/14/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 14705
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309SAG - Salinas River at Gonzales River Rd. bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2006-12/13/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11123
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-8/14/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11086
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 49
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 49 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 11/11/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11087
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 49
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 49 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 11/11/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11066
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-8/14/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11106
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 49
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 49 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 11/11/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11105
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 49
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 49 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 11/11/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13702, pH
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 11068
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Salinas River (Mid) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Salinas River (Mid) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 309DSA-Salinas River d/s San Ardo at Cattleman Road , 309GRN-Salinas River at Elm Road in Greenfield, 309KNG-Salinas River at Highway 101 in King City, 309SAS - Salinas River at Highway 101 in Soledad]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-8/14/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
5482
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Other
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4 of the Listing Policy. The Policy calls for the delisting of waters if the decision is found to be based faulty data and it is demonstrated that the listing would not have occurred in the absence of such faulty data. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

The data cannot be found that was used to list this pollutant originally.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for maintaining the listing for this water segment-pollutant combination.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that no data is available to assess the status of this water body for this pollutant. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for 2008. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because no data are available to support the listing.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 5482, Sedimentation/Siltation
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 1875
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction:
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: No data are available to assess this listing.

This listing is faulty because no data area available to support the listing. Regional Board staff is not aware of evidence to indicate current water quality standards exceedances or beneficial use impacts related to the listing for this pollutant.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: The suspended sediment load and suspended sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No data or QA/QC information available.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
6499
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
Pollutant: Pesticides
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Agricultural Return Flows | Agriculture | Agriculture-irrigation tailwater | Agriculture-storm runoff | Irrigated Crop Production | Nonpoint Source
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for 2008. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable): USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 6499, Pesticides
Region 3     
Salinas River (middle, near Gonzales Rd crossing to confluence with Nacimiento River)
 
LOE ID: 4001
 
Pollutant: Pesticides
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):